Last week I lost a dear and faithful fan who died unexpectedly.

I had never met her in person, but someone had given her my phone number and she called me regularly whenever she read a new book; sometimes several times during the reading to comment on a particular portion or occurence that she felt was special. Her gift to me was that she could always see and appreciate the values and principles that I try to put into each of the books I write, though hopefully in a non ‘preachy’ way. 

She never took more than two or three minutes, but always gave me a boost. I came to look forward to her calls.  

She will be missed in the here and now, but I hope to see her someday.

by Guest Blogger, Rachel Milano

Romance novels have been a favorite among readers because they often inspire and give hope. Who has not wanted to recapture the feeling of first love or the sensation of falling in love? The best romance novels are those that touch and move the readers so much so that they end up reading the book over and over. The best romance novels combine a mixture of humor, wit and deep, stirring emotion.

Romance novels encompass a wide audience. They hold an appeal for both the old and young alike. Even women in their twenties or thirties or even forties pick up some of the best romance novels for young adults. What makes romance novels so fascinating? Maybe it’s the promise of true love, maybe the general hope that love conquers all. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that the best romance novels are highly entertaining.

Women are the target audience of most romance books. Is it because they are more romantic at heart? Or maybe they are more frustrated with their love lives that they just turn and escape to a romance novel where they know that they will always get a happy ending… well most of the time.

Some of the best romance novels for women include classics such as Gone with the Wind, Pride and Prejudice, Romeo and Juliet and Emma. These are popular romance stories that many generations have grown to love.

The romance genre is so rich that if we were to make a list of the 100 best romance novels, each of us would come up with a different list. We all have a personal preference. Some love the classics while others prefer the more contemporary novels. Personally, I enjoy a mixture of both.

One thing is certain though, the romance genre will always be a favorite among readers. Love may not be perfect. There are struggles, conflicts and contradictions. But with the best romance novels, we can always dream.